Optimization of sowing rates to increase the productivity of corn hybrids in the Polissya region

Abstract

In the current conditions of climate change, rising resource prices, and the need to increase the efficiency of grain crop production, particularly corn, optimizing agricultural techniques is an important task. One of the key factors affecting grain yield and quality is plant density. Establishing the optimal sowing rate for specific hybrids allows their genetic potential to be maximized.Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the optimal sowing rate for three corn hybrids, DKS 3511, DKS 3730, and DK 315, which would ensure the highest yield and better grain quality indicators, in particular crude protein content.Methods. The study was conducted through a field experiment using three sowing rates: 60, 70, and 80 thousand similar seeds per hectare. Grain yield, crude protein content, and the adaptability of hybrids to conditions ofthickening or thinning of crops were evaluated. Statistical processing of the results was carried out in accordance with generally accepted agronomic methods. Results. It was established that the optimal sowing rate for all three hybrids is 70,000 viable seeds per hectare. This density ensured the highest yield, which for the DKS 3730 hybrid was 8,3 t/ha, and the crude protein content was 10,2%. Reducing the rate to 60,000/ha led to a decrease in yield due to inefficient use of the feeding area, while increasing it to 80,000/ha caused excessive competition between plants, which negatively affected the quality and quantity of the harvest. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that in order to achieve high grain yield and quality, it is advisable to use a sowing rate of 70 thousand/ha for corn hybrids, in particular for DKS 3730. The selection of the optimal plant density is an important element of agricultural technology, which should be adapted taking into account the biological characteristics of a particular hybrid.